SQL Around the Clock

Sybex has a Web site dedicated to
its book series at www.24sevenbooks.com,
with an introduction that reads, "Written to build on
the knowledge you already have, 24seven books don't
waste time covering the basics—the information
you know already or that you can easily figure out in
your own. Instead, 24seven books focus on the hard-to-find
information that will enable you to make informed choices
when installing, administering, and troubleshooting
hardware and software." These titles are definitely
not for beginners, and this book is no exception. For
example, you won't find any review of Transact SQL syntax.

For a book focused on operational
issues the depth was surprising. A comparison of OLTP
vs. OLAP surfaced on page one, followed by an excellent
single-page comparison chart. Charts, flow diagrams,
screen snapshots, and other visual aids are used throughout
the book. The authors have done an excellent job of
balancing text with graphics to help communicate important
SQL Server concepts. The book covers virtually every
concept vital to administration of SQL Server 7.0 including
indexing, security, RAID, network connectivity, installation,
locking, replication design, performance, and backup
strategies.

The arrival of the book couldn't
have been better timed-just before I tackled the Data
Warehouse beta exam (70-019)! The data warehouse coverage,
though only 24 pages long, was to the point and covered
key issues, including explanations of MOLAP, ROLAP,
and HOLAP cubes, along with a brief explanation of the
OLAP service components.

One complaint: I'd like to have seen
coverage on English Query. On the other hand, I considered
the three chapters on application development issues
a real coup de grace, since I wear two hats: as an application
developer and a DBA. Internet access, OLE DB, ADO, and
Transaction Server are all explored in depth. Every
DBA should have a basic understanding of these areas
to implement the stored procedures, views, and triggers
needed for a sound enterprise solution.

I'd never seen some of the excellent
nuggets that appeared in the form of warnings, notes,
and tips. But lest I sound like a salesman for Sybex,
I do have a criticism: Although I found the tips useful
and accurate, some needed more explanation. For example,
a tip recommending the placement of SQL Server on a
domain controller when using integrated security provided
no supporting information. Although the authors undoubtedly
had some basis for this, I wouldn't agree with it as
a general statement based on my understanding of authentication
performance issues.

In summary, 24seven SQL Server 7
addresses SQL Server 7 administration, installation,
and troubleshooting in depth. While this book isn't
aimed at "exam-crammers," it covers much of the material
on both the SQL 7.0 Implementation and Administration
tests. More importantly, it provides valuable and accurate
information to enable individuals to excel as SQL Server
database administrators.

About the Author

Robert Leithiser, MCDBA, MCSD, MCSE+I, MCT, OCP
DBA is a database consultant/technical trainer currently residing in Montgomery, Alabama. In his spare time, he takes his family on outings to Barnes and Nobles to read books.

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